Crash, chase suspect in Solano court

A Napa man pleaded not guilty on Tuesday to attempted murder and other charges related to a bizarre high-speed pursuit through three cities that left a motorcycle rider injured and numerous vehicles damaged.

Robert Shank, 42, entered his not guilty plea in Solano County Superior Court following his arrest Friday after police said he lead authorities on a pursuit from Vallejo to Napa, with a brief journey through Fairfield along the way. Shank's troubles began Friday afternoon in Vallejo when a Solano County Sheriff's deputy spotted a white pick-up truck striking a motorcycle on Interstate 80, and throwing its driver to the ground, according to CHP officials.

The pickup, alleged to have been driven by Shank, continued on its way with the motorcycle still lodged on the truck's front side.

The deputy continued to follow the truck eastbound at speeds reaching 90 mph, according to authorities.

Shank exited at Red Top Road, eventually returning to westbound I-80. He exited at westbound Jameson Canyon Road (Highway 12) where he sideswiped a Honda, and also caused another motorcyclist to fall to the ground as the rider tried to avoid Shank's truck, CHP officials said.

Shank reportedly sideswiped another vehicle near Kelly Road in Napa County, although no injuries were reported in those collisions.

Shank then veered off Highway 12 and headed north into the southbound lanes of Highway 29, officials said.

He eventually collided head on with another Nissan pick-up truck south of Butler Bridge, while also striking a Hyundai Genesis.

As a CHP helicopter was landing at the scene, a CHP officer aboard it witnessed Shank exit his truck and try to hijack a motorcycle. Failing to do that, he then tried to carjack a nearby vehicle, CHP officials added.

The CHP officer drew his gun and managed to arrest Shank without further incident, officials said.

Shank has been charged with attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, two counts of attempted car jacking, felony driving under the influence causing injury, felony evading a peace officer with willful disregard for public safety, and three counts of misdemeanor hit and run. Prosecutors also allege that Shank has two prior prison terms.

A probable cause hearing into the allegations has been set for 10 a.m. on March 15 in the Vallejo courtroom of Judge Allan P. Carter.

Shank remains in Solano County Jail custody with bail set at $750,000.